Barcelona 3-4 Real Betis - 5 Talking Points, LaLiga 2018/19

Barcelona welcomed Real Betis to the Camp Nou, as they looked to extend their lead at the top of the LaLiga.

But the day ended on a sour note for the Catalans, as they slipped to a 4-3 defeat which was a thrilling watch for the neutrals. Junior Firpo opened the scoring for Betis, and Joaquin doubled their lead in the 34th minute.

Barcelona improved after the break, and Lionel Messi marked his return to the pitch with a penalty. But Giovani Lo Celso responded immediately, only for Arturo Vidal to reply in the 79th minute to make the score 2-3.

Ivan Rakitic was sent off soon after for a second yellow card, and Sergio Canales' goal looked to have put the game to bed. Messi scored his second in stoppage time to reignite hopes, but Betis clung on for a vital win.

Here are the major talking points from a thrilling encounter.

#5 Poor showing from Barcelona's midfield

Rakitic had one of his worse nights for Barcelona

The trio of Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, and Arthur are consistent performers, and they keep Barca ticking more days than most. But against Betis, they were off colour, as Barcelona failed to exert any kind of dominance over the game.

Busquets a vital component of his side, and he failed to dictate play and break the defensive lines as he so often does. Arthur was sloppy and loose in possession, and he was taken off at half-time for the more energetic Arturo Vidal. Rakitic was the worst among the three, and his red card effectively ended the game for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona are used to a high percentage of possession, which allows them to set the tone of the game. The likes of Busquets and Arthur are vital for the same, but they failed to do so and a superior Betis midfield got the better of them.

#4 Quique Setien's plan works to perfection

Traveling to the Camp Nou is a tough task for any coach, but Quique Setien will leave the stadium with a huge smile on his face. His tactics paved the way for an impressive victory against a strong Barca side.

Betis were calm and composed under possession and did not hesitate to play around in their own box as times. Setien deployed a three-man defense, and used the pacy duo of Cristian Tello and Junior Firpo as wing-backs to stretch the pitch while on the attack.

They looked to play Barca at their own game and maintained possession to draw the press from their opponents. This allowed them to counter effectively, which was vital in three of their four goals. Giovani Lo Celso played a starring role, and all his teammates carried out their tasks to secure an impressive victory.

#2 Barcelona's erratic form (and defence) continues

Messi's return did not go according to plan

Barca had sensational LaLiga campaign last time, as they lost just one game in the league during their stroll to the title. Their consistency was relentless, but the same cannot be said for the this season.

Ernesto Valverde's men have lost two league games already, and have drawn a further three more. Their performances have not been as good either, and the opponents have had much more joy against their defence. Valverde desperately needs to improve their defence, as a staggering 13 sides have conceded more goals than them. This number is scandalous, and their backline needs to be tightened urgently.

Their bad days seemed to be beyond them, as they were on a nine-game unbeaten streak in all competitions prior to this one. But perhaps the complacency proved to be their downfall against Real Betis. Fortunately for them, the teams below them are not winning each week either, but it won't be long before one starts to do it.

#2 Betis claim a vital win

Real Betis were the 'surprise team' last season, as they finished seventh in the league, playing some truly entertaining football in the process. Much was expected of them this campaign, but it has not panned out that well for them until now.

Before playing Barca, Betis were languishing in 15th place, just three points off the relagation places. They had won just three games, and scoring goals has been their shortcoming. Only Valencia had scored fewer than their eight goals, and surprisingly, they went and scored half of that tally at the Camp Nou.

Those four goals gave them a vital win, which pushed them to 12th place in the table. The win will relieve the pressure on Quique Setien, and it will provide validation to the impressive football they have been playing. Onwards and upwards now surely for Betis.

#1 The unpredictability at the LaLiga summit continues to unfold

Valverde knows Barca's league position is far from secure

The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona have dominated Spain in recent years, and few others have managed to breach their superiority. Atletico Madrid managed it in 2014, but that was a rare occurrence. However, this season could turn out to be different.

Both Atletico and Alaves are just one point below Barcelona, in a very closely knit top three. Espanyol and Sevilla face off later in the day, and they are placed 4th and 5th respectively, hot on the tails of the leaders. A win for Real Madrid this week would take them just four points behind Barcelona.

The race for the top four as well as the title is sure to be an exciting one this season. The LaLiga has had an infamous reputation due to Real and Barca's stranglehold domestically, but the pattern could change now. Perhaps Barcelona will stretch their lead later on, but at this juncture, everything is to be played for.

Edited by Sripad